Choosing the right gate and fencing for your home isn’t just a matter of security. You also want the boundary of your garden to look attractive as well.
If you want strength combined with a beautiful look, then wrought iron is the solution. It doesn’t take a great deal of maintenance.
A good routine that includes a yearly deep clean and a coat of paint will keep your wrought iron looking great for many years.
In this guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at wrought iron gates and fencing, explain much wrought iron gates and fencing cost, compare them to other gate and fencing options and advise you how to save money and find a wrought iron specialist to get the job done.
Topics
How Much Does a Wrought Iron Fence and Gate Cost?
The table below breaks down the estimated costs of a wrought iron fence or gate.
| Garden Size | Wrought Iron Fence Panel Cost | No of Fence Panels | Cost of Fence Posts | No of Fence Posts | Labour Costs | Time Required | Estimated Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medium garden (50 feet long) | £120 | 8 | £28 | 9 | £150-£250 | 1 day | £1,362-£1,462 |
| Large garden (100 feet long) | £120 | 16 | £28 | 17 | £300-£500 | 2 days | £2,696-£2,896 |
| Extra-large garden (150 feet long) | £120 | 24 | £28 | 25 | £450-£750 | 2 days | £4,033-£4,330 |
The table gives the estimated cost for various wrought iron fences using fence panels 4ft in height x 6 ft in length.
When you need a contractor to supply and fit your wrought iron fence and gate, use HouseholdQuotes. All you need to do is fill in the online form and we’ll find contractors to give you no-obligation quotes.
Click To Get QuotesWhat Impacts the Cost of Wrought Iron Fences and Gates?
Several factors could impact the cost of wrought iron fences and gates
Fencing and Gate Length and Height
The length and height of your fencing or gate have a bearing on the cost. This is because of the amount of material used and the workmanship that goes into it.
For example, you can buy a single gate of feet in height and two feet wide for around £85. The same gate at 6’3 feet high and 4’6 feet wide will be around £125.
This is also the same when you compare wrought iron railings.
Fence Design
The fence design will also affect the cost. Less work goes into a plain design whereas, an intricate design will take more time and skill.
Combining an Iron Fence With Brick or Stone Wall
If you can build your own walls, you will save money by combining brick with fencing because you can buy less fencing.
Steel Quality
Finished wrought iron railings are often sold already galvanised, but you will have a choice of having the iron powder coated or with a bespoke wet paint finish.
Galvanised paint will give up to 70 years of rust protection. When this is combined with a powder coating it will make the paint much stronger and give it a glossy finish.
Fence Posts and Fittings
When you buy fencing, you will also need posts and fittings. Many companies include fittings with the price of the fencing or the gate, but you will have to add the cost of posts to your budget.
A standard tall metal post will cost £28 each.
Garden and Side Gates
The table below gives some approximate gate price examples.
| Size and Design | Gate Cost | Gate/Latch Post Cost | Labour Costs | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low Garden Gate | £60-£90 | £30 | £30-£50 | £120-£170 |
| Low Garden Gate (with some design features) | £80-£160 | £30 | £30-£50 | £140-£240 |
| Low Garden Gate (with intricate design features) | £150-£300 | £30 | £30-£50 | £210-£380 |
| Tall Single Side Gate | £120-£150 | £40-£60 | £40-£60 | £200-£270 |
| Tall Single Side Gate (with some design features) | £140-£200 | £60-£80 | £40-£60 | £240-£340 |
| Tall Single Side Gate (with intricate design features) | £180-£350 | £70-£130 | £40-£60 | £290-£540 |
It is not unusual to get wrought iron gates made to measure so they can be installed between existing brickwork pillars. This will mean the purchase of posts won’t be necessary.
All other fixings such as hinges and latches are normally supplied with the gate.
How Can I Save Money on a Wrought Iron Fence or Gate?
There are a few ways to save money on the cost of a wrought iron fence or gate.
Limit the height and width. Taller and wider fences and gates cost more because of the materials and the workmanship put into the product.
If you want to save money, choose a smaller gate and fencing
Consider combining wrought iron railings with a brick or stone garden wall.
If you can do your own brickwork, you will save more money than if you used a bricklayer. If you do have to use a professional, do your research first.
You may save money on a wall and wrought iron combinations for smaller projects, but larger walls and gates with walls might end up costing more money.
If you are good at DIY, and you have the right tools, you should be able to hang a gate yourself.
If you want quotes from wrought iron fencing specialists or any other type of tradesmen, use HouseholdQuotes.
We can help you get fast, accurate quotes for your wrought iron fencing and gate supply and installation.
Click To Get QuotesHow Does a Professional Install a Wrought Iron Fence or Gate?
If the gates and posts need treating, then this will be the first job.
Next, you’ll see your contractor marking the ground where the fencing will go. If there are any corners, they will mark these with string.
They will then dig the holes for the posts. The holes need measuring correctly.
For example, the width and the depth need to be approximately three times larger than the post itself.
When the holes are dug, the contractor will mix the cement.
They will then place the post in the hole and add the cement. You’ll see that they will leave two or three inches from the top.
When the cement is in the hole the contractor will fill in the last two or three inches with soil. (This is so you can grass or landscape the area around the post).
Once the cement is dry and the posts are secure, the contractor can hang the fencing.
They will fix a bracket to the end of the fencing and then select the height (this is normally 2 or 3 inches off the ground.
The contractor will put the fencing into position and slide the brackets against the post.
The contractor will then screw the bracket and the post together at the top and the bottom.
To instal a wrought iron gate the contractor will fix each post onto either side of the wall by drilling holes in the middle and at the top and bottom.
They will then fix the hinges to the post and line up the gate to the hinges.
At this point, the gate can be hung and they will add the latch to the opposite post as well as adding the lock.
What Are the Alternatives to Wrought Iron Fencing?
| Type of Fencing and Gates | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Wrought Iron | -Classic appearance -Can be bespoke designed -Durable -Hard-wearing | -Not entirely maintenance-free (will need painting) |
| Steel | -Extremely tough, and hard to break -Durable -Easy to maintain | -More expensive than other metal options -Needs more time to install -The most expensive metal option |
| Aluminium | -Durable -Rustproof -Lightweight so easy to work with | -Can bend with force -Difficult to install gates on a slope |
| Galvanised Steel Chain Link | -Low cost -Durable | -Less attractive than other solutions -Less secure - can be cut to gain access |
| Wood | -Easy to work with -Easier installation than metal -Natural appearance -Affordable alternative to metal | -Changes colour over time -Needs to be regularly maintained -Needs treatment against insects and weather conditions -Shorter lifespan than metal alternatives |
| Brick Garden Wall | -Economical -Durable -Low maintenance -Choice of colours and designs | -Not as strong as metal -Bricks may change colour over time -You must maintain the wall against mould growth |
| Stone Garden Wall | -Very strong -Attractive -Durable -Environmentally friendly | -Heavy so labour intensive installation -Can change colour over time -You need to maintain the wall to stop the growth of moss and mildew |
| Hedging | -Height easy to change -Protects against the wind -Natural -Can incorporate other plants | -Needs regular maintenance, including trimming -Takes time to establish |
How Do I Find and Hire a Fencing Contractor?
Always ask your friends and family, speak to neighbours, and ask anyone you’ve seen in your area having a wrought iron fence and gate fitted.
If you don’t get any recommendations, let HouseholdQuotes help you!
We have a large database of trusted tradesmen. Fill in the form online and we’ll find wrought iron fencing and gate contractors to come and give you no-obligation quotes.
Click To Get QuotesEnsuring the Professional Is the Right Fit
Use the questions below to ensure the professional you are hoping to hire for the job is the right fit for you:
- Ask them about their qualifications. They might have studied a LANTRA Foundation level 2/3 or an NVQ level 2 or 3. Don’t dismiss a contractor if they don’t have qualifications. It could be that they are older and they learnt their trade through an apprenticeship and learning on the job. In this case, ask them about their experience.
- Another good way of assessing a contractors work is from reading references or testimonials. Ask them if they have a website with photographs or case studies of previous work.
- Go through exactly what you need so that it is all included in the contractor’s quote. Make sure it is a written quote and read it through to check it contains everything you talked about.
- Talk to the contractor about rubbish removal. Ask them whether this is something they include or whether you will have to make arrangements for rubbish removal.
- Finally, check their insurance. All tradesmen should have public liability insurance and if they don’t, then find a contractor who is insured.
Final Checklist
Use the checklist below to make sure you know the best steps to take for installing a wrought iron fence or gate:
- Decide on your budget
- Choose simple designs if you don’t want to spend too much
- Remember you will have to pay for posts on top of the cost of fencing and gates
- You can save money by hanging your own gate if you are good at DIY
- Don’t forget, we’re here to help you find wrought iron fencing and gate contractors and will give you no-obligation quotes for your fencing and gate installation.
Click To Get QuotesFrequently Asked Questions
Do I Need Planning Permission for a Wrought Iron Fence and Gate?
If you live in a listed building, or the fencing will form a boundary with a listed building, you will have to have planning permission.
Are Fences Considered Shared Property?
If there is an H on the Deeds belonging to you and your neighbour, it means it is jointly owned.
Is Wrought Iron Fencing More Expensive Than Timber Fencing?
If you don’t have time to maintain a wooden fence, it may well need replacing after five years. A wrought iron fence on the other hand will last 10 years even if it’s not well maintained.
A well maintained wooden fence will last 15 years but a well maintained wrought iron fence can last a lifetime.
How Do I Know Which Side of the Fence Is Mine?
If the T’s hat is on your side of the boundary this usually means the fencing is your responsibility.
If you see an H, which are two T’s joined together, the boundary fence is a joint responsibility. You and your neighbour must share the repairs and maintenance, 50/50.
Does the Fence Belong to the Person Who Put It Up?
This means you are responsible for the repairs and maintenance of it.
Are Wrought Iron Fences and Gates Easy to Maintain?
When it is time to paint the gates and fencing, put a primer on before the paint to eliminate the risk of rust.
Paint, leave to dry and then go over the paintwork with car wax which will prevent scratches.